With a coworker covering my Sunday shift last week, We took full advantage of the opportunity to head out in search of another hidden treasure!
Since arriving in Utah 9 weeks ago, we have not had a drop of rain. Most rivers are dry and have long been turned to dust.
A 3.5 hour drive took us to Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Escalante is one of the largest parks I have ever seen and covers over 1 million acres of lush and diverse desert Utah landscape. With only 1 day to spend at this park, seeing a waterfall during my time here was top priority.
Lower Calf Creek Falls trail led us through the valley floor where we were met with frigid cold air and a deep frost on the plants and trees. With every step, the light of the morning sun shimmered on the frost making our path look like a winter wonderland.
The history of this land is literally written on the rock walls. These 3 large petroglyph figures could be seen on the rock wall from across the valley.
But it was the first glimpse of the falls that made this long hike one of the best hikes to date. The moment you first see the falls, the significance of this place is felt with a profound impact.
The weight of the water could be felt in the gusting air, the rumbling ground and the icy mist.
From every angle, the beauty of this falls was magnified by the land that surrounds it.
The red cliffs gave the water life and the trees framed the scene. The end of this trail was a desert oasis so perfect it can’t be explained and will never be truly capture on photo.
With every hike we have taken, we are reminded of how amazing this land is!
I have only 3 weeks left here in southern Utah and I hope the winter weather will hold off a little longer and allow me to complete a few more hikes before we head home. Keep following along, I never know what Utah has in store for us next!
